Our list of the best events taking place across Leeds in 2025 is a must-read if you’re planning to have a fantastic year…
2025 has been a pretty spectacular year for our city, but 2025 is nearly upon us and it promises to be a corker. From huge West End spectaculars and epic marathons to massive sporting events and colourful carnivals, these are the biggest and best events coming to Leeds in 2025. Check them out.
Peter Kay
One of the most popular British comedians of all time is returning to the stage for a never-ending tour of UK arenas. Peter Kay is back and he’s bringing all his iconic bits, alongside a generous helping of new material to remind audiences how he became a national icon. If you fancy a good old laugh, here’s your chance!
Peter Kay will be at first direct arena on Friday 7th March 2025.
Northern Ballet’s Jane Eyre
Credit: Caroline Holden
In what’s set to be one of the most enchanting events of 2025, Northern Ballet will stunningly recreate the story of Jane Eyre at Leeds Grand Theatre. Join our heroine Jane, who accepts a position as Governess at Thornfield Hall. Little does she know that she’ll meet the brooding Mr Rochester and eventually fall under his spell.
Jane Eyre will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Friday 14th to Saturday 22nd March 2025.
Joseph & the Technicolour Dreamcoat
Credit: Tristram Kenton
The smash-hit London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamboat returns to Leeds Grand Theatre in March, starring Joe McElderry as Pharaoh! Featuring much-loved pop and musical theatre classics like ‘Any Dream Will Do’, ‘There’s One More Angel in Heaven’ and ‘Go, Go Joseph’, it’s set to be a corker.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th March 2025.
Michael Ball & Alfie Boe
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are heading out on the road again in celebration of their brand new sixth studio album, with a stop at first direct arena. ‘Together at Home’ marks the 10th year of the pair making music together, and follows the success of their five previous albums. Expect songs like ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ and ‘Welcome Home’.
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will be at first direct arena on Thursday 10th April 2025.
Bat out of Hell
Love Meatloaf? You’ll love Bat Out Of Hell! As a part of its triumphant return to the UK, it’ll be stopping off at Leeds Grand Theatre in 2025 with all of Jim Steinman’s and Meatloaf’s greatest hits. You’ll hear live music from a thrilling eight-piece rock band, with an all-star cast singing the hits, from ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’ to ‘Paradise By The Dashboard Light’.
Bat Out Of Hell will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th April 2025.
North Leeds Food Festival
Credit: Stephen Midgely, Breakpoint Media
Foodie? Roundhay Park’s North Leeds Food Festival is a must-visit. Promising their biggest food and drink lineup to date, as well as fresh entertainment and larger marquees, the festival will feature everything from cracking tribute acts to live food demonstrations. Be prepared to walk away with a belly full of good grub!
The North Leeds Food Festival will take place across Roundhay Park on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon
The 2024 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon saw over 10,000 participants take to the streets of Leeds, and it’s set to be the same for 2025. Taking place in tribute to former Leeds Rhinos player Rob Burrow who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 and sadly passed away, the event is a fitting tribute to the city that launched his career and that he called home.
Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon will take place on Sunday 11th May 2025.
Scissor Sisters
You heard that right, the iconic Scissor Sisters are making their much-anticipated comeback! They’re heading out on a UK tour in 2025, with a stop at Leeds’ first direct arena. Fans can expect a setlist that spans the band’s discography, from ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ to ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ and ‘Laura’. We can’t wait!
Catch Scissor Sisters at first direct arena on Saturday 24th May 2025.
Live at Leeds
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One of Leeds’ favourite day festivals is back with the return of Live at Leeds! The indie music celebration will take place at Temple Newsam, with an epic lineup featuring Yard Act, Jamie Webster, Sigrid and Natasha Bedingfield. What’s more, Bloc Party will be celebrating their 20th anniversary, performing Silent Alarm and all their greatest hits.
Catch Live at Leeds at Temple Newsam on Saturday 24th May 2025.
Slam Dunk
Credit: Slam Dunk
Want to kick off your summer with one of the country’s biggest punk and metal festivals? Better get on down to Slam Dunk Festival at Temple Newsam! This year is set to be a rocking blend of talent, as A Day to Remember return to headline the event, with Alkaline Trio, As It Is, Neck Deep, New Found Glory and many more joining this huge lineup.
Slam Dunk will be at Temple Newsam on Sunday 25th May 2025.
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show
Credit: The Other Richard
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill audiences at Leeds Grand Theatre in June 2025! Follow Brad and his fiancée Janet as an unexpected car breakdown leads them to the enigmatic and flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Packed with iconic songs like “Damn It, Janet” and the show-stopping “Time Warp”, this electrifying production is not to be missed.
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th June 2025.
Billy Ocean
In support of the 40th anniversary of his landmark album ‘Suddenly’, R&B and soul singer Billy Ocean is embarking on a UK tour with a stop at Leeds’ first direct arena! ‘The Very Best of Billy Ocean’ will see him perform all of his greatest hits, from ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ to ‘Red Light Spells Danger’ and ‘Caribbean Queen’.
Billy Ocean will take to the stage at first direct arena on Saturday 21st June 2025.
SIX
Credit: Johan Persson
In July, make sure you get down to the Grand Opera House to join Henry VIII’s sorry wives for SIX. The stage show is a modern retelling of of the lives of each of the women, who take turns telling their story in the form of a pop concert. One of the most hotly anticipated events to come to Leeds in 2025, the show has even received two major international awards!
SIX will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th July 2025.
Leeds Pride
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Yorkshire’s biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ life is back with Leeds Pride 2025! Like always, the parade will set off from Leeds Town Hall, before making its way through the city, with the official festival kicking off on Lower Briggate at 11am on the same day. While the lineup is yet to be announced, you can expect a day full of music, dancing and downright partying.
Leeds Pride 2025 will take place on Sunday 20th July 2025.
Sounds of the City
We can’t get enough of Sounds of the City, and we’re thrilled it’s returning for 2025! The open air celebration of music has established itself as part of the Leeds calendar, and 2025 promises to be a good one. Get ready for MIKA, The Black Keys, Shed Seven, The Lathums, Funeral For A Friend and many more that are yet to be announced!
Sounds of the City will take place at Leeds’ Millennium Square in July 2025.
Leeds Festival
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If you’re a music fan, you can’t miss out on Leeds Festival. Kicking off on August bank holiday as usual, the legendary Bramham Park festival is set to feature a whole host of iconic names, from Travis Scott and Chappell Roan to Bring Me The Horizon and Hozier. Lots are yet to be announced, so watch this space.
Leeds Festival will be at Bramham Park from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th August 2025.
Leeds West Indian Carnival
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One of the biggest events of 2025, the Leeds West Indian Carnival is set to bring some colour to the streets of Chapeltown once again!. Held annually on the last Monday in August, this festival is one of Leeds’ brightest days, with jaw-dropping costumes, tropical rhythms and mouth-watering food, as well as Caribbean music, entertainment and dancing for everyone to enjoy.
Leeds West Indian Carnival will take over Chapeltown on Monday 25th August 2025.
Leeds International Beer Festival
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For all things ale, a trip to Leeds International Beer Festival is in order. The annual four-day festival is set to yet again take place amongst the stunning ruins of Kirkstall Abbey, promoting craft beer brewed in Leeds, the UK and even over seas. There’ll also be a tasty street food market, live music and fun games to take part in.
Leeds International Beer Festival will take place in September 2025. An exact date is yet to be announced.
Light Night
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Light Night will take over the city once again in 2025, and this year marks its 20th anniversary! For the past two decades, some of Leeds’ most recognisable indoor and outdoor spaces have been transformed by spectacular, glowing works of art, as well as captivating performances by local and international artists.
Light Night will take place across Leeds in October 2025. An exact date is yet to be announced.
Hans Zimmer
In what’s set to be one of the most anticipated events of 2025, Hans Zimmer will be coming to first direct arena. The highly celebrated composer and hugely talented musician is making his first ever live appearance in Leeds, and this mesmerising night will feature songs from Gladiator, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean and more.
Hans Zimmer will be at first direct arena on Sunday 23rd November 2025.
Live at Leeds in the City
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Live at Leeds is a staple of the city’s music scene, welcoming over 100 top bands to play at 20 venues each year, including Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall and more. The lineup is yet to be revealed, but with past events welcoming everyone from Ed Sheeran to The Cribs, George Ezra to Stormzy, there’s no doubt you’re in for an almighty weekend.
Live at Leeds in the City will take place across the city centre in November 2025.
Leeds International Film Festival
Credit: Sally Molineaux
Leeds International Film Festival is pretty much in the fabric of the city and will return again in November 2025 for its 37th year. This year’s celebrations will see a fortnight of big name movies, independent releases and the best cult films across all genres. This alone has made it one of the biggest festivals of its kind in the UK, attracting over 40,000 people to 300 events in past years.
Leeds International Film Festival will take place across Leeds in November 2025.
Miss Saigon
Presented by Michael Harrison in association with Cameron Mackintosh, a new production of Miss Saigon will be at Leeds Grand Theatre in December. Taking place in the last days of the Vietnam War, the story follows 17-year-old Kim who meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris. With beautiful songs like ‘The American Dream’ and ‘The Movie in My Mind’, it isn’t to be missed.
Miss Saigon will be at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 13th December 2025.
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